Off-center/loose steering wheel

Hoping for a bit of diagnostic help here so I can direct my indy appropriately.
Searched a lot but haven't found a clear answer to my specific issue, no attention in the maintenance section.

Steering wheel is off center by maybe a 1/2" or so to the left when the car is tracking straight, meaning I'm constantly driving with the wheel slightly turned left. I had an alignment done recently which I hoped would solve this but didn't. I've also noticed that the steering feels slightly "looser" to the left than it does turning to the right. Not sure if this is just perceived in my head though due to the fact that its already off center (hence the feeling that going just slightly past center to the right has a tighter feel than the other direction). Front tires are new (had this issue long before getting them changed), tire pressure is correct all around.

Anyone else dealt with and solved this or have an idea as what specifically I should be asking them to fix/adjust? Huge thanks in advance!

zipper228 wrote

Hoping for a bit of diagnostic help here so I can direct my indy appropriately.
Searched a lot but haven't found a clear answer to my specific issue, no attention in the maintenance section.

Steering wheel is off center by maybe a 1/2" or so to the left when the car is tracking straight, meaning I'm constantly driving with the wheel slightly turned left. I had an alignment done recently which I hoped would solve this but didn't. I've also noticed that the steering feels slightly "looser" to the left than it does turning to the right. Not sure if this is just perceived in my head though due to the fact that its already off center (hence the feeling that going just slightly past center to the right has a tighter feel than the other direction). Front tires are new (had this issue long before getting them changed), tire pressure is correct all around.

Anyone else dealt with and solved this or have an idea as what specifically I should be asking them to fix/adjust? Huge thanks in advance!

Where was the alignment done? These cars have a special center steering wheel procedure during alignment.

Thanks, it was sub-contracted out by the indy that does all the work to one of their partners so I would wager that the procedure may not have been followed correctly, however I was experiencing this issue prior to the alignment being done..

what work was done prior to steering wheel off center issue?

get an alignment, I do mine every year just as an inspection on the control arms also.

Drv4fun wrote

Where was the alignment done? These cars have a special center steering wheel procedure during alignment.

What does this special procedure entail? Is it something a standard reputable alignment shop would know or is it something I should do at a BMW-focused shop?

mapster37 wrote

what work was done prior to steering wheel off center issue?

Nothing really, its had this issue for some time now - had the alignment done hoping that would correct it but it did not.

If you are in SoCal I recommend an appt at west end in Gardena. He’s aligned many e9x m3s and did mine.

i would have the dealer align it and be clear in telling them the steering wheel is off center and u will be checking that when u pick up....

If you have had issues even after an alignment, you might want to check the tie rods and control arms. The slightest bend in them you cant even see will have your car steering/pulling to one side.

Any chance the tires are just following the camber of the road?

I thought my steering was off a hair, but found a true straight-straight and it stayed straight and true.

Drv4fun wrote

Where was the alignment done? These cars have a special center steering wheel procedure during alignment.

I have had my alignment done and find the car pulls a little left whe. The wheel is straight but it likes to sit slightly to the right when I just leave it to drive straight.

What procedure is unique to bmw m3... so I can explain to the shop when I get them to re check it?

Chromey wrote

I have had my alignment done and find the car pulls a little left whe. The wheel is straight but it likes to sit slightly to the right when I just leave it to drive straight.

What procedure is unique to bmw m3... so I can explain to the shop when I get them to re check it?

Had an alignment done the other week (for 1st time in 5y). It didnt pull but wheel was slight off center. Turned out the alignment was needed big time, no special hazzle for the guy who did it, half hour, perfect. Sounds like your guy need to readdress? (all tires incl pressure ok?)

Btw various good info here: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367003